about 3 months ago I pulled my engine out to rebuild it. it is now rebuilt and sitting in the engine. Now the hard part. putting all that stuff back on.

Is there anywhere on the web or a book that shows how to install everything on the engine once it's in? I need to know how the accessories go on, where all the electrical connections go, and about everything except the smog stuff. Pictures with explanations would be a giant plus

I also have a specific question. I've got a big hunk of plastic, I think it's called a heater control valve. maybe I'm getting my hunks of plastic mixed up. but it's laying on the floor now, and looks like it has several heater hoses running out of it. it also has 2 plugs. What is this, and do I need it?

Thanks.

Ryan

 

I just looked at a picture, and it's not the heater control valve. it's a bigger hunk of plastic than the heater control valve.

 

try going to a wrecking yard....good pictures there....anyone can pull a motor....takes some talent and experience to get it back in and running...how about some info on what you have there.......like year..model..engine ..you give us nothing...is it a honda?

 

yep, i did forget to tell you what it is. 1987 camaro IROC-Z28 with TPI L98 and 700R4. air pump hasn't been on since I owned it. the TPI has been replaced with a Holley StealthRam. I was hoping there was a website with diagrams somewhere.

Ryan

 

Well, to answer one question. That "plastic thing" you described does sound like a heater control valve. If you don't use or want your heater, than you can get rid of it as well as all the heater hoses. I got rid of mine. Never use the heat here in Florida anyway. Isn't Texas hot too?!?

Your best bet is to make friends with someone with a similar 3rd Gen who has not made any "changes" yet. This will give you a good picture to work from. Good luck.

BTW for future reference take some pics and label everything...

 

I had my heater control valve today, but I set it somewhere and now I can't find it. but the heater control valve has 3 spots to put heater hoses and 1 vacuum line fitting. the part that I can't figure out what it is looks like it has 2 parts put together. it also has a metal bracket. about 4 or 5 heater hoses. 2 spots for electrical connections. my dad thought it might be part of emissions?

What about that CD with all the thirdgen info on it? I think it used to be a thirdgen.org sponser. would that be of help? and anyone know their website?

 

Yea it sounds like the emissions box, It's the black box that looks like two if you beat it enough it will come apart (I didn't care.. emissions came off)It had two little pushy thingys on top. It mounts by the #1 cylinder to the pump if I rember correctly.

Hope that helps

 

I'm betting that's what it is. okay, I can get rid of that. now just to figure out the rest...

would a chilton have the info I'm looking for?

 

OK, if you want a good book with LOTS of useful information and diagrams, get the Helm factory service manual... these are used by GM dealers and the assembly plants. their Phone # is (800)-782-4356. A manual for your ride will cost about $90. I know it's pricey, but the info is worth it. You could try looking on ebay for one as well. Remember to get the service manual, not the owner's manual.

 

hey i feel your pain. i recently completed my 305-350 swap and mechanically everything went smooth. but electrically it was a nightmare. not that it wasnt compatable, it was, but it was hard to figure out what goes where. a few things id watch out for.....

1. check, check, and then check again to make sure you have no vaccum leaks. these are sometimes cleverly hidden, and are much easier to track down with no wires and sensors in your way.

2. make sure before you start hooking things up that there are no hot wires to ground out once things start moving around. these are also a b*tch to track down

3. WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU GET IN THE CAR!!!! i forgot, and now i have stains on my drivers seat

other than that, things should go well. good luck

 

I dont know if its just me, but i have the same questions to ask... but with these answers it makes me believe that once u have an engine fully assembled, then putting it back in is pretty much a "plug and play" type deal?

I have been searching and searching these boards forever with no answers on how to put in a new engine


So its just basically, label everything when u take it out, and put it back the same with with the different engine? For instance swapping in a miniram 383 in place for a 305 tpi.

There is always no answer, or just somethin basic that wouldnt help this person, and others like me, but i could be wrong

thanks for the feedback for those who do post...

 

Ok, I am putting an LT1 in my car right now.. almost done.. before I even started I got the Helms manual for 25$ for my 82, a chiltons for LT1 fbodies and a chiltons for LT1 Vettes(both used).. They have not been used much, but the times they were needed they were priceless.. for a total cost of like 50bucks.

Get the helms manual for your car.. they have a website. If you can't afford that, get the Chiltons pls.. the PITA it will save you is worth it. If anything for future reference. Not everyone here can tell you everything in one post or even twenty posts.. we do try though.

Different engines have different control mechanisms.. computers etc. depending on what they are.. remember though your gauges need the same senders from your old engine to funtion properly in most cases.. most of the time they plug into their old spot on the new engine.. since I was getting an SS LT1 with vette accessories I cya'd myself with the manuals.

 

In my opinion, installing a new engine in place of a similar engine should NOT be a really big deal. Sure it takes some knowledge and skill, not to mention time. The easiest way to get everything back the way it was is to label things, take pictures, or just plan remember. I my case, I have done many engine swaps and can figure out something if I get stuck. I have found that most of the connectors on TPI engines are not interchangable for other sensors. For instance, many of the connectors will only plug into one sensor. ANd the wiring harness, if routed correctly, will be in the general area for the necessary sensors and such. Good luck to you with figuring it all out. If you can, post some pics of the things you are stuck on.


Also, be extra sure to get good grounds and not pinch any wires. If you don't have good grounds and/or pinch a wire, it could be very unpleasant trying to track it down later.

 

I'm in Texas and I can tell you the heater comes in handy a couple times a year. Or that may be in my car. T-Top cars seem to let the cold in nicely.